Sports movement proposes consultation forum with European Union
At the invitation of FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, and in line with the resolution adopted by the recent FIFA Congress in Sydney, delegations from the IOC (led by Mario Pescante, IOC Executive Board member) and from major international team sports federations (see list of participants below) met at the Home of FIFA in Zurich today, 25 June, to discuss key common issues.
Regarding the protection of national teams, the delegations agreed that they share common issues related to the eligibility of players for national teams, youth development, stronger control on the transfer of minors and competitiveness within their sports. They unanimously supported the idea that the international sports federations should work closely together, under IOC leadership, in discussions on the recognition of the specificity of sport with the EU.
The participants agreed to the principle of creating a Consultation Forum between the European Union and the Olympic and sport movement in order to better structure the dialogue between them, prepare a common understanding on issues such as the specificity of sport and debate any topics arising in the world of sport, such as "6+5", taking into account the universality of sport and its European dimension.
During the meeting, the objectives and calendar of the EU French presidency in relation to sport during the second semester of 2008 were presented by Mr Hugues Moutouh, Director of the Cabinet of Mr Bernard Laporte, French Secretary of State for Sport.
FIFA-IOC meeting with international federations
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Home of FIFA
Joseph S. BLATTER FIFA President and IOC member
IOC
Mario PESCANTE IOC Executive Board member
Patrick HICKEY IOC member and EOC President
Christophe DE KEPPER IOC Executive Office of the President, chief of staff
ASOIF
Denis OSWALD President
Andrew RYAN Secretary General
Hugues MOUTOUH Cabinet Director of Mr. Bernard Laporte, French Secretary of State for Sport
International federations:
FIBA
Patrick BAUMANN Secretary General and IOC
Member
FIFA
Jérôme VALCKE General Secretary
Jérôme CHAMPAGNE Director of International
Relations
Marco VILLIGER Director of Legal Affairs
Hans KLAUS Director of Communications & Public Affairs
IHF
Peter MÜHLEMATTER Secretary General
IIHF
René FASEL President and IOC member
Horst LICHTNER General Secretary
Yves VONLANTHEN Administration and Legal Manager
IRB
Darren BAILEY Head of Legal
